Need help with CROK steering box brace

[buytick]

i have a 97 XJ stock which has a 2 cracks in the frame on each end of the stabilizer bracket. I bought the CROK brace but my regular mechanic says he cant do the job. Can anyone recommend a body shop or mechanic who could install it for me?

 

[Begster]

1st, you need to have those cracks stop-drilled, and then welded back up, otherwise that brace won't stop it from cracking further.

Next, do you have any mechanical skills? It really isn't hard to install one yourself. Sorry, can't recommend a shop as I'm not near your area.

 

[buytick]

Thanks for the reply. Can any body shop do this job?
I am mechanically inclined but too old and inexperienced with cars to tackle this.

 

[cnjcherokee]

Liquid iron industries is up that way, I've heard the owners a great guy. Theres a jeep guy near me in keyport, but he's mega expensive and doesn't have a great reputation

 

[buytick]

Thanks, will give them a call. I'm in Morristown, not Moorestown, so I'm in north Jersey. Closer to you.

 

[buytick]

I still haven't found anyone to install the C-ROK brace. There must be someone in the north Jersey area who has some experience with this. I also need a welder to weld the crack. Anyone?

 

[buytick]

Found a shop to install my C-Rok brace

Found someone who did the welding and installed the brace for a reasonable price. They are located in Rockaway Twp, NJ - Viking Autorebuilders - (973) 983-9800 ‎ ask for Joe or Ed

 

[chedisme]

Glad to hear you found someone. I wanted to offer to help as I just did mine. But im already so busy with work school and trying to finish my jeep for nac fest. Plus your alittle far.

 

[buytick]

Thanks for the offer, chedisme. I still have a problem. I am pretty sure this Jeep was in an accident before I bought it. Body guy said that was why the frame was a little bent and cracked by the steering box. Before I had it fixed, I would get shaking thru the steering wheel when going over 60 and was real bad over 70. I had the front end aligned and the wheels balanced twice. After the CROK and welding, it's somewhat better, but still feel the shaking at 60+. Not quite as bad, but definitely there. Anyone have any other suggestions???

 

[souske]

What kind of shaking?
Did you hit a bump, and the jeep started shaking itself apart?
Or does it just shake a little at speed, increasing with speed?

 

[chedisme]

was going to ask the same question

 

[buytick]

The shaking to me, is not noticeable until I reach 60mph, then it gets worse going to 70. It has nothing to do with hitting a bump. The shaking or better the vibration feels like a strong vibrator (not the kind you're thinking!!!)
It is certainly annoying enough not to want to drive over 60 for long periods of time. To me, it feels like it is coming from the front end. Do you think a local Jeep dealer could diagnose it?

 

[chedisme]

I know this is going to sound dumb, but are you sure you dont have water in your front tires?

theres a guy on here who spent alot of money replacing stuff in his front end only to find he had about a gal of water in one of his front tire. I guess he blew a bead snow wheeling and got alot of snow in there.


could be a drive shaft. id pull the front and see if the vibes go away.

 

[buytick]

Already my mech pulled the front driveshaft. Runs quieter now, but did nothing for the shimmy.

 

[chedisme]

hmm. my next educated guess would be to check and maybe replace the bushings in your control arms and check to see if there's slop in your steering and or trackbar.

I would also try rotating the rear tires to the front, I know you said you had them balanced, but it cant hurt to try.